Invited by XDubai – the parent company of Skydive Dubai – to tour the emirate as an ambassador, enjoying stand up paddle boarding, desert hiking and wind tunnel inflight to show the wide variety of sports on offer here; then practically spending the bulk of the year chasing good waves and good weather… it’s safe to say there’s plenty in world No3 pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons’ life to be envious about.
Just for a day we wanted to live vicariously through the 24-year-old Aussie, and here’s what we learned.
Congratulations on winning the 2015 Fiji Pro recently. A Dubai tour must’ve been a fabulous reward following the feat. What was the best part of the trip?
When the opportunity came up to partner with XDubai, I saw it as an amazing chance to experience more of Dubai. I had been to Abu Dhabi’s Wadi Adventure to train and better my surfing on a couple of prior trips, and I’d always leave the UAE thinking there is a lot more to this city that I must explore.
This time, linking in with the local surf community and like-minded people gave a great connection not only to Dubai but to a culture that shares similar values and ideals on all things healthy living, being active and making the most of your day.
The best part of this trip was realising that I am only just scratching the surface and I have so much more to see and do, which will keep me coming back for years.
Indeed, there is a lot to do but, as you must’ve realised, it’s not the best or most likely place to find waves.
Where is the most random place you’ve gone to surf?
Wadi Adventure in Al Ain actually. I couldn’t believe I was surfing in the middle of the desert. There was a mountain behind the pool which made it all the more surreal. It was perfect for the project and I got to surf more than 700 waves in two days working on a new manoeuvre. It was a crazy cool experience. I can’t wait to see the future plans for one in Dubai.
Where’s been your absolute favourite place in the world to compete?
Every trip back to Fiji for the Fiji Women’s Pro is a learning curve and that’s something I love, always having a crazy challenge in front of me to inspire and push me to my next level. I have broken my wrist, burst my eardrum and have numerous cuts from the sharp coral reef… It is a wave of consequence which makes it such a challenge.
Do you have any interesting competition preparation methods?
It is really important to have variety in your training. Travelling the world you need to adapt to what is available so I like to use my surrounding environment and I tailor my training programme to suit that particular event. It makes preparations for my events super exciting because I never know exactly where I will be training next.
Let’s talk about the gender gap… What is the best, as well as the most difficult part of navigating a male-dominated sport like surfing; and competing in pro events where the overall prize money for women is just half of what’s offered to men?
Conditions and pay have improved since the change of ownership was made to the World Surf League (WSL), our governing body… The men’s prize money is still double the women’s but we continue to gather momentum and change in this area. Seeing as the men have more surfers in their draw, I personally see it as being fair by basing the prize money on a percentage-based system relative to the number of competitors in your draw.
There are many inequalities in our sport but we have grown up knowing these and it’s a credit to all the top female surfers around the world that they make the absolute most with every opportunity that comes their way.
These setbacks drive me to better myself, knowing nothing comes easy and knowing how hard I had to work to get every single wave out there.
A positive side is having the top male surfers defying the limits of the sport and always setting a benchmark to aim for.
On the flip side, are the females all friendly or that much more fierce because you’re a small group?
There are only 18 women on the elite tour and we all have a pretty similar approach where we are all striving to become No1 in the world. We all give each other a respective amount of space when the contest jersey goes on, but we also share in some pretty cool experiences around the world away from the contests.
Regardless of gender, what tips can you give aspiring surfers here wanting to eventually compete?
1) There are no shortcuts, you have to work as hard out of the water as in the water.
2) Set goals and don’t be deterred by setbacks and road blocks. Believe you can find a way to achieve what you set out to do.
3) Enjoy the journey and all the ups and downs of competing. Learn to be a champion in victory but more importantly in defeat.
Are you working on any projects these days?
I launched my business brand Fitzgibbons International this year. It will provide marketing services to my partners and will produce a range of ‘Live Like Sally’ commercial products like Health & Fitness Apps, books and calendars.
What are you excited about in 2016?
The European leg of events which is up next. I really want to push my surfing and bring a really creative approach to the next events. Away from my sport, I can’t wait to be home to spend quality time with my loved ones and enjoy some Aussie summertime together.
Three things you always have in a carry-on when headed to competition?
My FCS SF signature fins, my Samsung Galaxy phone to reach loved ones when I finish competing, and my lucky pink tennis ball that has been around the world with me for six years – I use it in my warm-up.
Your go-to motivational song?
Any songs from the training montages in Rocky movies.
How you spend “me time”?
I love running.
Something no one knows about you?
I love playing chess.
The best advice you’ve received from a non-surfer?
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova once told me that champions adjust no matter what. You find a way to be the best you can be in that moment.
